What does Naval Research Laboratory do?

The Naval Research Laboratory serves as a primary research and development hub for the Department of the Navy, focusing on the advancement of physical, engineering, and life sciences. Its core mission centers on the development of sophisticated instrumentation, electronic systems, and specialized sensors to support naval operations. Strategic priorities include the procurement of high-power beam technology, broadband antennas, and active pressure compensation systems, alongside a strong emphasis on high-performance computing and GPU hardware to support complex R&D simulations. Procurement patterns are heavily weighted toward the acquisition of analytical laboratory instruments, electronic computer manufacturing, and specialized measuring and testing equipment. The agency frequently procures software licenses for electromagnetic design and simulation, as well as professional engineering services. Contract structures include a mix of subcontracts, combined actions, and special notices, reflecting a need for both off-the-shelf commercial technology and highly specialized, custom-engineered research tools. The agency primarily targets NAICS categories related to analytical instrument manufacturing, R&D in physical and engineering sciences, and software publishing. There is a significant preference for Small Business Administration set-asides, with frequent use of 8(a) and SDVOSB designations to diversify its vendor base. The laboratory maintains a broad relationship network ranging from large-scale hardware providers like NVIDIA and Keysight to specialized niche providers of archival preservation and sensor technology. The Naval Research Laboratory operates as a specialized organization within the Department of Defense under the United States Navy. Its procurement scope is characterized by a high volume of technical acquisitions across a wide array of electronic and scientific disciplines, utilizing a variety of contract vehicles to support its research-driven organizational structure.

How do I find contracts from Naval Research Laboratory?

You can find contracts from Naval Research Laboratory on CLEATUS by visiting the agency's contracts tab. Search and filter by contract type, NAICS code, set-aside, and more. CLEATUS aggregates data from SAM.gov, FPDS, USASpending.gov, and state procurement systems.

How much does Naval Research Laboratory spend on contracts?

In the last 12 months, Naval Research Laboratory has obligated $346,079,228 across 13 contract awards to 12 contractors. The agency currently has 59 active contract opportunities.

What industries does Naval Research Laboratory contract in?

Naval Research Laboratory primarily contracts in the following industries: Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (NAICS 541715), Periodical Publishers (NAICS 513120), Computer Storage Device Manufacturing (NAICS 334112), Packaging Machinery Manufacturing (NAICS 333993), Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (NAICS 334516). These NAICS codes represent the most active procurement categories for this agency in the last 12 months.

What contracts does Naval Research Laboratory award?

Naval Research Laboratory has awarded 13 contracts in the last 12 months, totaling $346,079,228 in obligations across 12 contractors. Top procurement categories include Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology), Periodical Publishers, Computer Storage Device Manufacturing. Browse all contracts .

How do I do business with Naval Research Laboratory?

To do business with Naval Research Laboratory, start by registering in SAM.gov and obtaining a UEI number. Then search for contract opportunities from this agency on CLEATUS. Review the agency's procurement history, identify relevant NAICS codes, and prepare competitive proposals. The contractors tab shows companies that have won contracts from this agency.

What is Naval Research Laboratory's annual contract spend?

Naval Research Laboratory has obligated $346,079,228 in contract awards over the last 12 months. This includes 13 contract actions to 12 unique contractors. The agency currently has 59 active contract opportunities.

What NAICS codes does Naval Research Laboratory use?

Naval Research Laboratory primarily uses the following NAICS codes: 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology)), 513120 (Periodical Publishers), 334112 (Computer Storage Device Manufacturing), 333993 (Packaging Machinery Manufacturing), 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing). These represent the most common industry classifications for contracts awarded by this agency in the last 12 months.

Who are the top contractors for Naval Research Laboratory?

View the full list of contractors who have won awards from Naval Research Laboratory in the contractors tab . You can filter by contract value, NAICS code, and set-aside type to find relevant competitors and potential teaming partners.

What set-aside programs does Naval Research Laboratory use?

Naval Research Laboratory uses 10 different set-aside programs, including Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5), Small Business Set Aside - Total, 8(a) Sole Source, and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set Aside. These programs reserve a portion of contracts for qualifying businesses. View the set-aside breakdown on the agency overview.

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Federal Agency· N00173

Naval Research Laboratory

Part of Department Of Defense

The Naval Research Laboratory serves as a primary research and development hub for the Department of the Navy, focusing on the advancement of physical, engineering, and life sciences. Its core mission centers on the development of sophisticated instrumentation, electronic systems, and specialized sensors to support naval operations.

Naval Research Laboratory is a government agency with procurement activity across contracts, awards, and contractors. Over the last 12 months, Naval Research Laboratory has obligated $346,079,228, issued 13 awards, and worked with 12 contractors. It currently has 59 open contract opportunities. Procurement is concentrated in Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology), Periodical Publishers, and Computer Storage Device Manufacturing.

Active Contracts

$346.1M

Total Obligations (12mo)

Top

Leadership and vacancies

Senate-confirmed and senior-executive posts at Naval Research Laboratory and its sub-agencies, as published in the OPM Plum Book. These are leadership positions, not total employees.

Source: OPM Plum Book · Last confirmed 09/28/2026

Leadership posts

Filled

Vacant

14% of posts

Acting officials

7 posts · 1 vacant

Posts of Naval Research Laboratory

		Status		Appointment	Pay grade	Salary	Location
Naval Research Laboratory	--	Vacant	--	CA	ES	--	ARLINGTON, VA
Naval Research Laboratory	LISA SWAN	Filled	Jan 2025	CA	ES	$219,000	Washington, DC
Naval Research Laboratory	STEVEN MEIER	Filled	Jul 2020	CA	ES	$208,056	Washington, DC
Naval Research Laboratory	JOSEPH MATHEWS	Filled	Jul 2023	CA	ES	$207,708	Washington, DC
Naval Research Laboratory	JEFFERY POND	Filled	Aug 2025	CA	ES	$201,056	ARLINGTON, VA
Naval Research Laboratory	LINDA THOMAS	Filled	Sep 2024	CA	ES	$209,600	Washington, DC
Naval Research Laboratory	JOSEPH PENANO	Filled	Mar 2022	CA	ES	$205,590	Washington, DC

Top Naval Research Laboratory Contractors

Companies with the highest total award amounts from this agency, ranked by contract value.

Company	Total Awards	Contracts
AS and D Inc 6303 Ivy Lane Suite 130 GREENBELT MD 20770 USA	$403.3M	1
See-Attached Washington DC 20375 USA	$243.9M	1
ASSURANCE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION Carlisle MA USA	$193.7M	1
L3HARRIS NEXGEN COMMUNICATIONS LLC	$177.3M	1
RIPTIDE TECHNOLOGY INC	$148.3M	1
ENVISIONEERING INC Alexandria VA 22303 USA	$99.0M	1
See Attachment for Award Information	$95.0M	1
Orbital Sciences Corporation 7500 Greenway Center Drive, Suite 1500 GREENBELT MD 20770 USA	$94.7M	1
ASSURANCE TECHNOLOGY CORP	$54.6M	1
ARCFIELD	$54.0M	1